System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles

ABSTRACT

A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The gaming system may incorporate a user profile feature according to which certain information regarding users of the system may be maintained. Such information can include, without limitation, information relating to preferences, finances, activities participated in by the users, and trends and habits of the users.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of gaming and, moreparticularly to a gaming system and method incorporating a wirelessnetwork.

BACKGROUND

The gaming industry allows people to participate in a variety of gamingactivities within the limits of state and federal law. Possible gamingactivities include gambling, such as that provided by casinos.Casino-type gambling activities include, but are not limited to, slotmachines, table games, poker, keno, and other gaming activities thatallow for the placement of bets. Events also may be wagered on and mayinclude, for example, sporting events, such as horse or auto racing, andathletic competitions such as football, basketball, baseball, boxing,and golf. Gaming can also include non-wagering games and events, such aslottery contests. In a casino environment, the participation in suchgaming activities is generally limited by a participant's physicallocation. For example, participants in casino-type gambling activitiesmust be present at a gaming machine or at a gaming table within thecasino in order to place a bet. Similarly, people interested in wageringon sporting events or athletic competitions in a casino environment mustplace bets through a sports book that is located in the casino.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the invention are directed to gaming systems,which may be wireless gaming systems. According to certain embodiments,the gaming system is operable to make various gaming activitiesavailable to one or more users over a communications network and todisplay information associated with the activities to the users ongaming devices. The gaming devices may be mobile communication devices.Gaming activities may include any activities referred to or contemplatedherein and are not limited to games. Gaming activities can include, forexample, games, gambling activities, sporting events, purchase of goodsor services, and accessing concierge services.

In accordance with an example embodiment, a gaming system includes atleast one processor, at least one data storage device electronicallycoupled to the processor; and at least one gaming device in electroniccommunication with the processor. The at least one data storage devicestores at least one user profile. The at least one user profilecomprises at least one data set associated with a user of the gamingsystem. The at least one data set represents at least one characteristicof the user. The system is operable to recognize an event and update theat least one data set in response to the event.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a method is provided formaintaining a user profile in a gaming system. The method includessteps. One step includes establishing an initial profile. Another stepincludes storing at least a portion of the user profile on a datastorage device. Another step includes recognizing the occurrence of anevent. Another step includes updating the user profile in response tothe event.

In accordance with another example embodiment, software is provided formanaging a user profile in a gaming system. The software operable toestablish an initial profile. The software is also operable to store atleast a portion of the user profile on a data storage device. Thesoftware is also operable to recognize the occurrence of an event. Thesoftware is also operable to update the user profile in response to theevent.

Various embodiments of the present invention may benefit from numerousadvantages. It should be noted that one or more embodiments may benefitfrom some, none, or all of the advantages discussed below:

One advantage is that the system enables remote, wireless, mobile gamingover a secure network. Another advantage is that the system enablesremote, wireless, mobile, gaming, while preventing gaming byunauthorized users and from unauthorized locations. Another advantage isthe enablement of a gaming system accessible by remote, wireless, mobileusers, wherein the system includes gaming communication devices used bythe users and connected to a communication network, and wherein aportion of the communication network is movable.

Certain embodiments present the advantage of enabling an entity thatprovides wireless gaming services to track various gaming parametersrelated to one or more users of the gaming services. Among other things,this enables the entity to customize the gaming experience for theusers. It also enables the gaming provider to more efficiently manageinformation associated with activities engaged in by the users.

Among other things, this leads to more accurate and useable data forsuch things as tracking, management, service provision and back-endapplications. Tracking of user profile information also allows for moreefficient activities such as audits, reporting, system updates, andmodification to the gaming services be provided.

Other advantages will be readily apparent to one having ordinary skillin the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and forfurther features and advantages, reference is now made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a gaming system with a wireless network according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming system illustrating various gamingactivities in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a gaming system showing coverage areas in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a gaming system with a wireless network showingtriangulation location determination in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting steps in a gaming method according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a gaming system showing a communication path inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a ship-based gaming system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless gaming system with user profiles inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of providing user profiles in a wirelessgaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gaming system enables participants to engage in gaming activities fromremote and/or mobile locations. The possible gaming activities includegambling, such as that provided by casinos. Gambling activities mayinclude any casino-type gambling activities including, but not limitedto, slot machines, video poker, table games (e.g., craps, roulette,blackjack, pai gow poker, Caribbean stud poker, baccarat, etc), thewheel of fortune game, keno, sports betting, horse racing, dog racing,jai alai, and other gambling activities. The gaming activities can alsoinclude wagering on any type of event. Events can include, for example,sporting events, such as horse or auto racing, and athletic competitionssuch as football, basketball, baseball, golf, etc. Events can alsoinclude such things that do not normally involve wagering. Such eventsmay include, without limitation, political elections, entertainmentindustry awards, and box office performance of movies. Gaming can alsoinclude non-wagering games and events. Gaming can also include lotteriesor lottery-type activities such as state and interstate lotteries. Thesecan include all forms of number-selection lotteries, “scratch-off”lotteries, and other lottery contests. The gaming system may beimplemented over a communications network such as a cellular network ora private wireless and/or wireline network. Examples of the latterinclude WiFi and WiMax networks. In one embodiment, the gaming systemcommunications network is entirely independent of the Internet. Inanother embodiment, the gaming system operation makes minimal use of theInternet, such that only information for which there is no securityissues is transmitted via the Internet and/or information may beencrypted. Preferably, the communications network enables users toparticipate in gaming from remote locations (e.g., outside of the gamingarea of a casino). Also, the system may enable users to be mobile duringparticipation in the gaming activities. Preferably, the system has alocation verification or determination feature, which is operable topermit or disallow gaming from the remote location depending uponwhether or not the location meets one or more criteria. The criterionmay be, for example, whether the location is within a pre-defined areain which gaming is permitted by law.

According to certain embodiments, the wireless gaming system canincorporate a user profile element. One or more user profiles may becreated, maintained, and modified, for example, on one or more of theservers of the gaming system. Generally, the user profiles includeinformation relating to respective users. The information may bemaintained in one or more databases. The information may be accessibleto the gaming server and/or to one or more mobile devices. The deviceswhich may access the information may, according to certain embodiments,include gaming devices or gaming management devices. Gaming managementdevices may include wireless devices used by casino staff to providegaming services or gaming management services.

At least certain embodiments include software and/or hardware to enablethe provision, modification, and maintenance of one or more userprofiles. Thus, one or more user profiles may each comprise a set ofdata maintained in a data storage device. The data set(s) for eachrespective user profile may reflect any of a number of parameters orpieces of information, which relate to the particular user(s)corresponding to the profile(s). Although not intended to be exhaustive,such information may include, for example, gaming activity preferences,such as preferred game and/or game configuration, preferred screenconfiguration, betting preferences, gaming location preferences, diningand other Service preferences, and so forth. The information may alsoinclude user identity information, such as name, home address, hotelname and room number, telephone numbers, social security numbers, usercodes, and electronic files of fingerprint, voice, photograph, retinascan, or other biometric information. User profile information may alsoinclude information relating to the user, but not determined by the useror the user's activities. Such information may include any informationassociated with, or made part of, a profile. For example, an entity suchas a casino, may include as part of a profile certain rules governingthe distribution of promotions or offers to the user. User profileinformation can include any codes, account numbers, credit information,approvals, interfaces, applications, or any other information which maybe associated with a user. Thus, user profile information may includeany information that is particular to a given user. For example, profileinformation may include the location(s) at which a particular user hasplayed, skill levels, success levels, types of games played, and bettingstyles, and trends of information relating to the user's activities.

In particular embodiments, user profile information can includeconcierge or other service information that is associated with a user.Concierge services may include restaurant services, entertainmentservices, hotel services, money management services, or otherappropriate services that may be offered to the user of a gaming device.For example, restaurant services may include, without limitation,services that allow the user to order drinks, order food, makereservations, or perform other restaurant related activities. As anotherexample, entertainment services may include, without limitation,services that allow the user to purchase show tickets, arrangeappointments or services, virtually shop, arrange transportation, orperform other entertainment related activities. Hotel services mayinclude, for example, services that allow the user to check in, checkout, make spa appointments, check messages, leave messages, review ahotel bill, or perform other guest-related activities. Money managementservices may include, for example, services that allow the user totransfer funds, pay bills, or perform other money management activities.

The gaming system may be configured to establish a new profile for anyuser who is using a gaming device for the first time. Alternatively, anew profile may be established for a prior user who has not played for apredetermined time period. The gaming system may set up the profile,monitor user activities, adjust the profile, and adjust information(such as graphics) displayed to the user. The gaming system may beconfigured to use the profile information to alter the presentation ofgaming information to the user. For example, if a prior user hasreturned to the gaming system, the system may consult the profile forthe user and determine that in the prior session of gaming the user lostmoney on craps but won money on blackjack. Based on this information,the system may adjust the default gaming screen and present a blackjacktable for the user. As a further example, the profile information mayindicate that the majority of the user's prior blackjack time was spenton $25 minimum tables. The system may, accordingly, make a furtheradjustment to the gaming environment and make the blackjack table beingpresented a $25 table. In this sense, the gaming system enablespersonalized wireless gaming based on one or more criteria maintained ina user profile.

The user profiles may be established, maintained, and periodicallyupdated as necessary to enable a gaming provider to provide an enhanced,current, and/or customized gaming experience. Updates may be undertakenbased on any suitable trigger, such as the occurrence of an event, theoccurrence of a user activity, or the passage of a certain predeterminedtime period. Any or all of the profile information may be updated.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, gaming system 10 includes at least oneuser 12. The system may include additional users such that there is atleast a first user 12 and a second user 14. Multiple users may access afirst gaming system 10, while other multiple users access a secondgaming system (not shown) in communication with first gaming system 10.Users 12 and 14 preferably access system 10 by way of a gamingcommunication device 13. Gaming communication device 13 may comprise anysuitable device for transmitting and receiving electroniccommunications. Examples of such devices include, without limitation,mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), computers,mini-computers, etc. Gaming communication devices 13 transmit andreceive gaming information to and from communications network 16. Gaminginformation is also transmitted between network 16 and a computer 18,such as a server, which may reside within the domain of a gaming serviceprovider 20. The location of computer 18 is not critical, however, andcomputer 18 may reside adjacent to or remote from the domain of gamingservice provider 20. Moreover, in certain embodiments, a gaming serviceprovider is not required. The computer 18 and/or gaming service provider20 may reside within, adjacent to, or remote from a gaming provider (notshown in FIG. 1). The gaming provider may be an actual controller ofgames, such as a casino. As an example, a gaming service provider may belocated on the grounds of a casino and the computer 18 may be physicallywithin the geographic boundaries of the gaming service provider. Asdiscussed, however, other possibilities exist for remote location of thecomputer 18 and the gaming service provider 20. Computer 18 may functionas a gaming server. Additional computers (not expressly shown) mayfunction as database management computers and redundant servers, forexample.

Preferably, software resides on both the gaming communication device 13and the computer 18. Software resident on gaming communication device 13is preferably operable to present information corresponding to gamingactivities (including gambling and non-gambling activities discussedherein) to the user. The information includes, without limitation,graphical representations of objects associated with the activities, andpresentation of options related to the activities and selectable by theuser. The gaming communication device software is also preferablyoperable to receive data from the computer and data input by the user.Software resident on the computer is preferably able to exchange datawith the gaming communication device, access additional computers anddata storage devices, and perform all of the functions described hereinas well as functions common to known electronic gaming systems.

Gaming information transmitted across network 16 may include anyinformation, in any format, which is necessary or desirable in theoperation of the gaming experience in which the user participates. Theinformation may be transmitted in whole, or in combination, in anyformat including digital or analog, text or voice, and according to anyknown or future transport technologies, which may include, for example,wireline or wireless technologies. Wireless technologies may include,for example, licensed or license-exempt technologies. In particularembodiments, network 16 may include a Land Area Network (LAN), a WideArea Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a Personal AreaNetwork (PAN), the Internet, an Intranet, an Extranet, or anycombination of these or other suitable communication networks. Somespecific technologies which may be used include, without limitation,Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access(TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General PacketRadio Service (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x), Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN), Blue Tooth, or cable modemtechnologies. These are examples only and one of ordinary skill willunderstand that other types of communication techniques are within thescope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood thatadditional components may be used in the communication of informationbetween the users and the gaming server. Such additional components mayinclude, without limitation, lines, trunks, antennas, switches, cables,transmitters, receivers, computers, routers, servers, fiber opticaltransmission equipment, repeaters, amplifiers, etc.

In at least one embodiment, the communication of gaming informationtakes place without involvement of the Internet. However, in certainembodiments, a portion of the gaming information may be transmitted overthe Internet. Also, some or all of the gaming information may betransmitted partially over an Internet communications path. In certainembodiments, some information is transmitted entirely or partially overthe Internet, but the information is either not gaming information or isgaming information that does not need to be maintained secretly. Forinstance, data that causes a graphical representation of a table game onthe user's gaming communication device might be transmitted at leastpartially over the Internet, while wagering information transmitted bythe user might be transmitted entirely over a non-Internetcommunications network.

Certain user profile aspects are depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, forexample. As shown in FIG. 9, certain embodiments of the gaming systemmay include software and hardware to enable the provision of userprofiles. Accordingly, system 910 includes at least one user 912. Users912 preferably access system 910 by way of gaming communication devices913. Gaming communication devices 913 transmit and receive gaminginformation to and from communications network 916. Gaming informationis also transmitted between network 916 and a computer 918, such as aserver, which may reside within the domain of a gaming service provider920. As with the description of system 10 in connection with FIG. 1,this is an example illustration only and it will be readily understoodthat system 910 may be modified in any number of ways within the scopeand spirit of the detailed description. For example, the computer 918may comprise multiple servers, which may be centralized or distributed.Preferably, system 910 includes at least one database 922. Thedatabase(s) 922 may be any suitable database capable of receiving,storing, and/or distributing electronic data.

One or more user profiles 924 are maintained within database 922. Eachuser profile 924 preferably consists of one or more data files. Itshould be, however, that the user profiles may be maintained in any formthat allows establishment, maintenance, and or updating of the profilesvia the transfer of electronic information. It should also be understoodthat the user profile information may be centralized or distributed andcertain portions of user profile information may be maintained atdifferent elements within or without system 910. A graphic userinterface (“GUI”) 926 may also be provided to enable or assist in themanagement of information within user profiles 924.

According to at least one embodiment, at least one user profile includesvarious information corresponding to at least one user of system 910.Such information may include, for example, user-specific information andnon-user specific information. User-specific information may include anyinformation that is determined in whole or in part by somecharacteristic of the user. For example, user-specific information mayinclude information relating to user preferences, activities, habits,location, identity, etc. Non-user specific information may include anyinformation that is not necessarily dictated by user characteristics.Non-user specific information may, however, be associated with one ormore users. For example, non-user specific information may includegaming configurations, promotional information, activity schedules, etc.

Preference information may include any information which is at leastpartially determinative of a user's preferences with respect to at leastone aspect of the gaming services. As such, preference information maybe at least partially determinative of gaming presentation, gamingconfiguration, screen or display configuration, available activities,betting limits, service availability, service preferences,notifications, communication preferences, personnel and staffpreferences, etc. Activity information may include any informationreflecting a user's activities, whether they be gaming or serviceactivities. As such activity information may include such things asindications of activity types during a particular time period, servicesand or games accessed by the user, applications for credit, fundstransfers, service activities (e.g., dining, room service, laundry, carrental, etc.), bets made, win and loss information, cashing outactivities, communication with staff, etc. Habit information may includeany information reflecting an indication of a habit or trend of activityof a user. Such information may include, for example, increases ordecreases in gaming times, bet amounts, frequency of activities,transfer of funds, times in which activities are undertaken,associations between two or more activities, etc. Location informationmay include any information related to a user's location within apredetermined space. The space may be a jurisdiction, state, region,country, city, casino property, casino gaming area, race track, sportsvenue, store, hotel, recreation area, restaurant, theater, or any otherrelevant space. The location information may include associatedinformation such as date, time of day, or other information associatedwith the location of the user. The location information may includeinformation to reflect location over a certain time period or multipletime periods. The location information may indicate a series oflocations, a route, a preferred destination, etc. Identify informationmay include any information indicative of the identity of the user. Suchinformation may include, for example, name, address, phone number,codes, social security numbers, passwords, user names, loginidentifications, and biometric information (e.g., retain scan,fingerprint, and voice print information).

Non-user specific information is intended to encompass any informationthat does not necessarily correspond to a particular user. Suchinformation can include gaming configurations, schedules, availablegaming activities or services, displays, menus, announcement content,promotional content, information about other users or non-users (e.g.,staff), and the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example method 1010 for establishing,maintaining, modifying, and acting on, a user profile. According to afirst step 1012, a user profile is initially established. Theestablishment of the user profile may comprise the creation of one ormore data files to include one or more pieces of profile information.The profile information may include, for example, user-specificinformation such as name, credit information, and identity information.The user information may be any type of information considered ordiscussed herein. At step 1014, an event occurs, which impacts at leastone piece of information within the user profile. At step 1016, the userprofile is updated as a result of the event. In certain cases, the userprofile is updated to reflect and/or record the occurrence of the event.In other instances, the occurrence of the event merely causes a piece ofinformation to be updated. At step 1018, the user profile is queried todetermine the existence of one or more parameters. A parameter may beany suitable piece of information. For example, the query may determinewhether any portion of the user profile information matches a piece ofinformation specified by the query. At step 1020, if the response to thequery is affirmative, then a response action is initiated. Otherwise,the method returns to step 1014 to accept additional updates of the userprofile.

Step 1012 may be accomplished in any number of ways. For example,initial profile information may be entered (e.g.,. through a GUI), by adata entry person. Initial profile information may include certain baselevel information necessary for the user to be able to operate a remotegaming device. For instance, initial information may include a name andpassword. Other information, such as credit information and additionalverification information, may be required to access certain gamingactivities and services. The profile may be initially created by dataentry techniques, or by transfer of information from an external systemor application. For example, a casino or hotel may have an existingsystem to collect certain information about a guest. A casino, forinstance, may have a system that maintains information about certainusers for purposes of managing comps. A hotel may collect certaininformation about its guests (e.g., upon check in). The gaming systemmay be configured to initiate and/or accept a transfer of informationfrom such an external system to the profile data fields.

The event at step 1014 may be any suitable event, which can serve as atrigger to change the profile information. The change may be an additionor deletion of information, or a change to existing information. Theevent may be, for example, the occurrence of a particular day of theweek, or time of day, or a certain time within every hour. The event maybe other types of events such as an action by a user. For example, auser event may include such things as a user arriving at a certainlocation, such as a particular casino or a particular area (e.g., casinofloor, pool area, lobby, hotel room, restaurant, theater, store, etc.)within a casino property, a certain jurisdiction (e.g., crossing aparticular state border), or a particular game (e.g., a certain slotmachine or gaming table). The event may also be the selection, by auser, of a particular gaming activity or service. The event may also bethe selection of any menu item offered by the gaming system. Forexample, the event may be the user's entry of a particular type of betor a bet amount, or the selection of a particular game, the purchase ofservices or merchandise, or the attendance of an event such as a show.The event may also be an administrative event, such as check in, checkout, establishment of a credit line, the deposit or transfer of gamingfunds, or the registration of a user or a device. Any event described orcontemplated herein, or which enables or relates to any of theactivities described herein, may serve as an event. Events may alsoinclude occurrences that are not directly related to user activities.For example, an event may be the start of a tournament or sportingevent, or the arrival of a particular staff person at a particulargaming table or other location within a casino property.

Step 1016 may comprise any updating scenario in which any portion of theprofile information is updated. Updates may include additions,deletions, or modifications. Updates may be made to information thatdirectly corresponds to the event. For example, a portion of the profilemay indicate a user's last bet amount. Thus, a subsequent user bet thatis a different amount may cause the last bet amount to be updated.Updates may also be made, however, to portions of the profile that donot directly correspond to the event. For example, a portion of theprofile may indicate an average bet amount for a certain time period. Anew bet may cause the average bet amount to be updated. The relationshipbetween the event and the portion of the profile being updated may beeven more remote. For example, a bet by a user may result in a totalamount of bets placed by the user during a certain time period to reacha predetermined amount. This might, in turn, trigger a comp orpromotion.

Step 1018 can comprise any suitable type of query scenario. A query maybe initiated by an operator, staff person, user, or other individual.The query may be automatically generated based on a certain event. Thequery may be made at a desired, predetermined time, or at arandomly-selected time. The query may correspond to a particular event.For example, a user's selection of a $100 minimum blackjack table mayinitiate a query regarding the user's credit limit or past bettingstyles or preferences. Information entered by a user or another entitymay form all or part of a query, or may cause a predetermined query tobe initiated. The query may be made to determine what is indicated by aparticular portion of the profile. Alternatively, the query maydetermine whether the profile portion matches a predetermined value(e.g., text, numeric, or other).

At step 1020, the action may comprise any suitable action. An action mayalso comprise taking no action. An action may directly correspond to theevent, or to the portion of the profile being queried. Alternatively,the action may have no direct connection to the event and/or may affecta portion of the profile not being queried. Actions may comprise, forexample, enabling or disabling a device, extending credit, accepting anactivity selection by a user, accepting a user's bet, updating aprofile, generating a report, activating an alert or alarm, establishinga telecommunications link, sending a message, making an offer,conducting a transaction, providing an indication (e.g., win or lose),changing a gaming parameter, initiating or altering a presentation ofinformation to a user, providing a service, etc.

In at least one embodiment, the existence of a certain piece ofinformation (e.g., a trigger) within a given user profile, will cause amodification of the gaming environment, which may be, for example, analteration of at least one aspect of the gaming activities. For example,a portion of a profile may indicate the last type of game played by auser prior to a user logging off from the system. When the user logsback on, a query may indicate that the last game played by the user wasblackjack. The system may, as a result, be triggered to present ablackjack table to the user as a possible activity. As another example,the profile may indicate that the user has always played blackjack at acertain time of day. If a query indicates that the time of day isappropriate, the system may present a blackjack table to the user.Modifications of the gaming environment can comprise any decision ormethod by which certain activities are presented to the user, as well asthe format or way in which those activities are presented. As such, amodification may include enablement, disablement, addition, deletion,modification, etc. of any gaming activity or service described orcontemplated herein.

In at least one embodiment, the existence of a piece of profileinformation will cause a modification of a different piece of theprofile. A modification can include any addition, alteration, ordeletion of any user profile or portion thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the profile indicates a characteristic, andan action is taken that relates to the characteristic. For example,according to one aspect, the user profile indicates a betting pattern. Abetting pattern is intended to encompass any set of data that indicatesat least two pieces of information relating to betting. According to oneaspect, the betting patter will reflect a betting trend. That is, thebetting pattern will reflect an upward or downward movement in theamount of bets. This can include movement in the amount, average amount,acceleration of an increase or decrease, and the like. The pattern canindicate certain betting habits (e.g., amounts bet) at certain times orcorresponding to one or more other parameters represented by informationwithin or without the user profile. For instance, the user might make anaverage $100 minimum blackjack bet between the hours of 8 p.m. andmidnight on Saturday nights. These betting patterns and habits may bemaintained, cross-linked, reported, or otherwise manipulated to extractintelligence from the raw information contained therein. As with theoccurrence of certain pieces of information, the existence of a patterncan trigger any of the various actions discussed elsewhere hereinincluding, for example, a re-verification requirement or the disablementof a gaming device if the betting pattern meets one or more parameters,such as a certain threshold.

According to at least one embodiment, the gaming system is operable totrack various debts related to a user's activities. This debtinformation may be maintained as part of a user profile or may bemaintained as a separate data component. The debts can include any typeof debt owed by the user to any entity. For example, debts can includemoney owed as a result of losing at one or more games. Debt can alsoinclude bills for merchandise, entertainment (e.g., shows), hotelinvoices, restaurant and bar tabs, or any other goods or services whichmight be associated with or related to a user's activities in connectionwith the gaming system. The system may be configured to prompt the user,at one or more predetermined or random times, to make a bet regardingall or a portion of the various debts. For example, the prompt may comeat a specific time daily (e.g., 1:00 am), or at the occurrence of aspecific event (e.g., upon checking out of the hotel). The prompt mayallow for the bet to be made according to any number of games. Forexample, the user might choose to make a bet of 50% of his hotel invoiceon a single hand of blackjack. The user might split up the amount(s)being wagered between blackjack and a spin on the roulette wheel.

According to another embodiment, another concept related to userprofiles is the maintenance of one or more panic codes are establishedand maintained for one or more users. The code may be an alpha-numericcode, or a signal triggered by depressing a particular button or seriesof buttons on the gaming device. The code may be an electronic signalgenerated by a voice recognition unit (“VRU”) in response to a voicecommand from the user. The code may be a signal generated in response tothe unit moving into or out of one or more predetermined locations. Thecode may be used in any number of ways to initiate a suitable response.For example, security, police, or an emergency response unit may bedispatched automatically to the location of the gaming device.Alternatively, the code may initiate a dialog between a dispatcher andthe user of the gaming device. Panic codes may be maintained as part ofthe user profiles.

According to another embodiment, verification, or re-verification may bebased on user profile information. For example, re-verification may berequired if the user profile information indicates a change in bettingstyle that falls within or without a certain range or otherwise meets acertain threshold. Similarly, certain activities may be enabled ordisabled (or modified) based on user profile information. For example,during a process of cashing out, a user might be required to inform thecashier as to certain details regarding the user's gaming activities.For instance, the user might be required to inform the cashier as to thelocation and type of game that the user last played. The cashier thencompares this information to information stored in the user profile. Ifthe information matches, then the cashing out process may continue. Ifthe information does not match, the cashier may halt the cashing outprocess and/or request additional information from the user.

As part of a user profile element, the system may be configured toprovide certain users with certain information based on the profileinformation. The information provided to the users may include suchthings as game rules, strategy and tips (e.g., blackjack optimal playcard), payout and odds information, and other ancillary information(e.g., stock ticker information).

According to at least one embodiment, a matching “house” bet may beenabled and may be based on user profile information. For example, thesystem may be configured to prompt a user (e.g., at a predetermined orrandom time) to make a bet that the house (or other sponsoring entity)will match. For instance, the house might match a bet, up to a certainamount, for a certain time limit. This can be based on user profileinformation and/or location. This is an improvement over a scenario thatinvolves sending a mailer to a prospective user, which offers a matchingbet on a certain day, when there is no indication whether theprospective user even intends to be in the gaming jurisdiction on thatparticular day.

According to at least one embodiment, the system and/or the device mayinclude a disabling function. Accordingly, the gaming device may beremotely disabled. This may occur, for instance, if the device is lostor stolen. The device may also be disabled if user profile informationindicates a certain set of circumstances. As an example, a drasticchange in betting styles may indicate that the user is “out of control,”and the device may be configured to terminate playing privileges as aresult. As another example, a user might predetermine that he does notwant to be able to use the gaming device to gamble during certain timesor at certain locations. Alternatively, the house, or other sponsoringentity, might want to disallow certain activities when the user profileinformation indicates that certain criteria are met. This might be thecase, for example, if the user is attending a show, or is in a hotelroom. The user profile information may be configured to indicate theuser's location. The casino might want to disallow gambling on thedevice while the user is at the show in order to avoid the userdisrupting the show for other attendees. Moreover, jurisdictionalrequirements may dictate that a user not be able to participate incertain gaming activities if the user is in a certain location, such acasino hotel room.

According to at least one embodiment, an actual and/or virtual casinoare configured based on user profile information. Additionally, staffactivities may be initiated, or halted based on user profileinformation.

User profile information may also be used as an element in a frauddetection process. For example, one or more elements of a user's pastprofile information may be compared to current information. If adifference is detected and falls within a certain range, fraud may beindicated.

Other aspects of the various embodiments of the wireless gaming systemare shown in FIGS. 2-8. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2for example, the communications network comprises a cellular network 22.Cellular network 22 comprises a plurality of base stations 23, each ofwhich has a corresponding coverage area 25. Base station technology isgenerally known and the base stations may be of any type found in atypical cellular network. The base stations may have coverage areas thatoverlap. Further, the coverage areas may be sectorized ornon-sectorized. The network also includes mobile stations 24, whichfunction as the gaming communication devices used by users to access thegaming system and participate in the activities available on the gamingsystem. Users are connected to the network of base stations viatransmission and reception of radio signals. The communications networkalso includes at least one voice/data switch, which is preferablyconnected to the wireless portion of the network via a dedicated, securelandline. The communications network also includes a gaming serviceprovider, which is likewise connected to the voice/data switch via adedicated, secure landline. The voice/data switch may be connected tothe wireless network of base stations via a mobile switching center(MSC), for example and the landline may be provided between thevoice/data switch and the MSC.

Users access the gaming system by way of mobile stations which are incommunication with, and thus part of, the communications network. Themobile station may be any electronic communication device that isoperable in connection with the network as described. For example, inthis particular embodiment, the mobile station may comprise a cellulartelephone.

Preferably, in the case of a cellular network for example, the gamingsystem is enabled through the use of a private label carrier network.Each base station is programmed by the cellular carrier to send andreceive private secure voice and/or data transmissions to and frommobile station handsets. The handsets are preferably pre-programmed withboth gaming software and the carrier's authentication software. The basestations communicate via Private T-1 lines to a switch. A gaming serviceprovider leases a private T-1 or T-3 line, which routes the calls backto gaming servers controlled by the gaming service provider. Encryptioncan be installed on the telephones if required by a gaming regulationauthority, such as a gaming commission.

The cellular network is preferably a private, closed system. Mobilestations communicate with base stations and base stations are connectedto a centralized switch located within a gaming jurisdiction. At theswitch, voice calls are transported either locally or via long distance.Specific service provider gaming traffic is transported from the centralswitch to a gaming server at a host location, which can be a casino orother location.

As subscribers launch their specific gaming application, the handsetwill only talk to certain base stations with cells or sectors that havebeen engineered to be wholly within the gaming jurisdiction. Forexample, if a base station is close enough to pick up or send a signalacross state lines, it will not be able to communicate with the device.When a customer uses the device for gaming, the system may prohibit, ifdesired, the making or receiving voice calls. Moreover, voice can beeliminated entirely if required. Further, the devices are preferably notallowed to “connect” to the Internet. This ensures a high level ofcertainty that bets/wagers originate and terminate within the boundariesof the gaming jurisdiction and the “private” wireless system cannot becircumvented or bypassed. Although in certain embodiments some dataand/or voice traffic may be communicated at least partially over theInternet, it is preferred that the communication path does not includethe Internet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, certain non-gaminginformation may be transported over a path which includes the Internet,while other information relating to the gaming activities of the systemis transported on a path that does not include the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gaming communication device 32 is in communicationwith a gaming service provider over a network 34. The gaming serviceprovider preferably has one or more servers, on which are residentvarious gaming and other applications. As shown in FIG. 3, some-examplegaming applications include horse racing and other sports, financialexchange, casino and/or virtual casino, entertainment and other eventsexchange, and news and real time entertainment. Each of theseapplications may be embodied in one or more software modules. Theapplications may be combined in any possible combination. Additionally,it should be understood that these applications are not exhaustive andthat other applications may exist to provide an environment to the userthat is associated with any of the described or potential gaming orrelated activities.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, thecommunications network comprises a private wireless network. The privatewireless network may include, for example, an 802.11x (WiFi) networktechnology to cover “Game Spots” or “Entertainment Spots.” In FIG. 4,various WiFi networks are indicated as networks 41. Networks 41 may useother communications protocols to provide a private wireless networkincluding, but not limited to, 802.16x (WiMax) technology. Further,networks 41 may be interconnected. Also, a gaming system may comprise acombination of networks as depicted in FIG. 4. For example, there isshown a combination of private wireless networks 16, a cellular networkcomprising a multi-channel access unit or sectorized base station 42,and a satellite network comprising one or more satellites 46.

With respect to the private wireless network, because certainembodiments of the technology cover smaller areas and provide veryhigh-speed throughput, the private wireless network is particularlywell-suited for gaming commission needs of location and identityverification for the gaming service provider products. The gaming spotsenabled by networks 41 may include a current casino area 48, new areassuch as swimming pools, lakes or other recreational areas 49, guestrooms and restaurants such as might be found in casino 48 or hotels 45and 47, residential areas 40, and other remote gaming areas 43. Theconfiguration of the overall gaming system depicted in FIG. 4 isintended only as an example and may be modified within the scope of thepresent invention.

In one embodiment, the system architecture for the gaming systemincludes:

-   (1) a wireless LAN (Local Access Network) component, which consists    of mostly 802.11x (WiFi) and/or 802.16x WiMax technologies; robust    security and authentication software; gaming software; mobile    carrier approved handsets with Windows® or Symbian® operating    systems integrated within; and

(a) CDMA-technology that is secure for over-the-air data protection;

(b) at least two layers of user authentication, (that provided by themobile carrier and that provided by the gaming service provider);

(c) compulsory tunneling (static routing) to gaming servers;

(d) end-to-end encryption at the application layer; and

(e) state-of-the-art firewall and DMZ technologies;

-   (2) an MWAN (Metropolitan Wireless Access Network), which consists    of licensed and license-exempt, point-to-point links, as well as    licensed and license-exempt, point-to-multi-point technologies;-   (3) private MAN (Metropolitan Access Network) T-1 and T-3 lines to    provide connectivity where wireless services cannot reach; and-   (4) redundant private-line communications from the mobile switch    back to the gaming server.

Each of the “Game Spots” or “Entertainment Spots” is preferablyconnected via the MWAN/MAN back to central and redundant game servers.For accessing the private wireless networks 41, the gaming communicationdevices are preferably WiFi- or WiMax-enabled PDAs or mini-laptops, anddo not have to be managed by a third-party partner.

Preferably, the gaming system includes a location verification feature,which is operable to permit or disable gaming from a remote locationdepending upon whether or not the location meets one or more criteria.The criterion may be, for example, whether the location is within apre-defined area in which gaming is permitted by law. As anotherexample, the criterion may be whether the location is in a no-gamingzone, such as a school. The location verification technology used in thesystem may include, without limitation, “network-based” and/or“satellite-based” . technology. Network-based technology may includedsuch technologies as multilateration, triangulation and geo-fencing, forexample. Satellite-based technologies may include global positioningsatellite (GPS) technology, for example.

As previously discussed, the cellular approach preferably includes theuse of at least one cellular, mobile, voice and data network. For gamingin certain jurisdictions, such as Nevada for example, the technology mayinvolve triangulation, global positioning satellite (GPS) technology,and/or geo-fencing to avoid the potential for bets or wagers to be madeoutside Nevada state lines. In one embodiment, the network would notcover all of a particular jurisdiction, such as Nevada. For instance,the network would not cover areas in which cellular coverage for aparticular base station straddled the state line or other boundary ofthe jurisdiction. This is done in order to permit the use of locationverification to insure against the chance of bets originating orterminating outside of the state. Triangulation may be used as a methodfor preventing gaming from unapproved locations. Triangulation may beaccomplished, for example, by comparing the signal strength from asingle mobile station received at multiple base stations, each havingGPS coordinates. This technology may be used to pinpoint the location ofa mobile station. The location can then be compared to a map or otherresource to determine whether the user of the mobile station is in anunapproved area, such as a school. Alternatively, GPS technology may beused for these purposes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming system includes a plurality of gamingcommunication devices 54, 55, and 56. Device 54 is located outside thegaming jurisdiction 58. Devices 55 and 56 are both located inside gamingjurisdiction 58. However only device 56 is located within geo-fence 57,which is established by the coverage areas of a plurality of basestation 53. Thus, geo-fencing may be used to enable gaming via device 56but disable gaming via devices 54 and 55. Even though some gamingcommunication devices that are within the gaming jurisdiction 58, suchas device 55, are not permitted access to the gaming system, thegeo-fence 57 ensures that no gaming communication devices outsidejurisdiction 58, such as device 54, are permitted access.

Geo-fencing does not specify location. Rather, it ensures that a mobilestation is within certain boundaries. For instance, geo-fencing may beused to ensure that a mobile station beyond state lines does not accessthe gaming system. Triangulation on the other hand specifies a pinpoint,or near-pinpoint, location. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, device 56is triangulated between three of the base stations 53 to determine thelocation of device 56. Triangulation may be used to identify whether adevice, such as a mobile station, is located in a specific spot wheregambling is unauthorized (such as, for example, a school). Preferably,the location determination technology utilized in conjunction with thepresent invention meets the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC's)Phase 2 E911 requirements. Geological Institute Survey (GIS) mapping mayalso be utilized to compare identified coordinates of a gamingcommunication device with GIS map features or elements to determinewhether a device is in an area not authorized for gaming. It should benoted that any type of location verification may be used such astriangulation, geo-fencing, global positioning satellite (GPS)technology, or any other type of location determining technology, whichcan be used to ensure, or provide an acceptable level of confidence,that the user is within an approved gaming area.

In another embodiment, location verification is accomplished usingchannel address checking or location verification using some otheridentifying number or piece of information indicative of which networkor portion of a network is being accessed by the gaming communicationdevice. Assuming the using of an identifying number for this purpose,then according to one method of location checking, as an example, aparticipant accesses the gaming system via a mobile telephone. Theidentifying number of the mobile telephone, or of the network componentbeing accessed by the mobile telephone, identifies the caller'sconnection to the mobile network. The number is indicative of the factthat the caller is in a defined area and is on a certain mobile network.A server application may be resident on the mobile telephone tocommunicate this information via the network to the gaming serviceprovider. In a related embodiment, the identifying number or informationis passed from a first network provider to a second network provider.For example, a caller's home network may be that provided by the secondprovider, but the caller is roaming on a network (and in a jurisdiction)provided by the first provider. The first provider passes theidentifying information through to the second provider to enable thesecond provider to determine whether the caller is in a defined areathat does or does not allow the relevant gaming activity. Preferably thegaming service provider either maintains, or has access to, a databasethat maps the various possible worldwide mobile network identifyingnumbers to geographic areas. The invention contemplates using any numberor proxy that indicates a network, portion of a network, or networkcomponent, which is being connected with a mobile telephone. Theidentifying number may indicate one or more of a base station or groupof base stations, a line, a channel, a trunk, a switch, a router, arepeater, etc.

In another embodiment, when the user connects his mobile telephone tothe gaming server, the gaming server draws the network identifyinginformation and communicates that information to the gaming serviceprovider. The software resident on the gaming communication device mayincorporate functionality that will, upon login or access by the user,determine the user's location (based at least in part on the identifyinginformation) and send a message to the gaming service provider. Theidentifying number or information used to determine location may becountry-specific, state-specific, town-specific, or specific to someother definable boundaries.

In connection with any of the location determination methods, the gamingsystem may periodically update the location determination information.This may be done, for example, during a gaming session, at pre-definedtime intervals to ensure that movement of the gaming communicationdevice to an unauthorized area is detected during play, and not justupon login or initial access.

Thus, depending on the location determination technology being used, thedecision whether to permit or prohibit a gaming activity may be made atthe gaming communication device, at the gaming server, or at any of thecomponents of the telecommunication network being used to transmitinformation between the gaming communication device and the gamingserver (such as at a base station, for example).

An aspect of the private wireless network related to preventing gamingin unauthorized areas is the placement of sensors, such as RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) sensors on the gaming communicationdevices. The sensors trigger alarms if users take the devices outsidethe approved gaming areas. Further, the devices may be “tethered” toimmovable objects. Users might simply log in to such devices using theirID and password.

In connection with FIG. 6, an example embodiment of a method accordingto the present invention can be described as follows. As discussed,software is preferably loaded on a gaming communication device and isoperable to receive input data for gaming. The input data may originateat associated gaming software resident on the gaming server, or it maybe input by the user of the gaming communication device. The software onthe device is operable to present a representation of a gamingenvironment. This can include, among other things, a representation of atable game such as a blackjack table or a slot machine. Other examplesof the representation of a gaming environment include graphicalrepresentations of any of the other applications described herein.

In the example method shown in FIG. 6, in a first step 602, the gamingcommunication device is activated. This may take place as a function ofturning on a phone, PDA, or other communication device as describedelsewhere herein. Preferably, activation comprises connecting the gamingcommunication device to a private data network. Part of the activationincludes logging in at a prompt. This may be considered as a first levelof authentication of a user of the gaming communication device. A secondlevel of user authentication comprises authentication of the gamingcommunication device itself. This may occur, for example, byauthentication of a mobile station by a mobile carrier. A third level ofuser identification may comprise biometrics. Various examples ofbiometrics may include, but are not limited to, fingerprintidentification, photo identification, retina scanning, voice printmatching, etc.

In a next step 604, the user is presented with the gaming environment.The gaming environment may be presented in various stages. For instance,in a first stage, the gaming environment may comprise, a casino lobbywhere the user is presented with certain gaming options including, forexample, table games, slots, sports book, video poker, and a casinocashier. In a subsequent stage, the user may be presented with optionalinstances of the type of activity selected from the casino lobby.

In a next step 606, the user selects an activity, such as a particularcasino table game. In step 608, the user is presented with one or moreoptions related to the selected activity. In step 610, the user selectsan option. For instance, at this point, the user might place a wager,draw a card, select a restaurant or restaurant menu item, select a newssource or a news story, place a buy or sell order on a financialexchange, place a bet on a certain box office performance over/underamount for a given movie, etc. The options for user input are myriad. Instep 612, the software resident on the gaming communication deviceaccepts the option input by the user and transmits the input data to thesoftware resident at the gaming server. In step 614, the gaming serversoftware acts on the input data.

Actions at this point, may include, without limitation, determining anoutcome and/or amount, accessing another server and/or softwareapplication, retrieving information, preparing a response to the user,etc. The action of determining an outcome and/or amount might takeplace, for example, if the user is using the device to place wagers inconnection with a gambling activity. For certain gambling activities,such as a table game or slot machine, a random number generator may beincorporated to determine the outcome (i.e., whether the user won orlost) and the gaming server software would also determine an amount wonor lost based on the amount wagered and any applicable odds. The actionof accessing another server and/or software application might occur, forexample, in the event the user is engaging in a services activity suchas accessing news services, making reservations and placing food andbeverage orders at a restaurant, or making a retail purchase. The actionof retrieving information might occur when the gaming server software isprompted to access another server for the purpose of retrieving acertain type of information requested by the user.

Preferably, the gaming server software prepares a response to the user'sinput data and in step 616. In step 618, the user acknowledges theresponse. For example, in the case of gambling, the user mightacknowledge that he won a hand of blackjack because the dealer bustedand that his payout was $100 based on a $50 bet at even odds. In step620, the user logs out.

In the situation where the user is gambling, after the series of stepsdescribed in connection with FIG. 6, (or a subset or modified series ofsteps), the user physically enters a casino and goes to a casino cashierfor payout and/or settlement (which can include, for example, extensionsof credit or advance deposits). In one embodiment, there is a waitingperiod (e.g., twenty-four hours) before the user can collect winnings.The purpose of the waiting period is to allow time for fraud monitoring.The waiting period may depend on the amount of the balance. For example,if the user is owed less than $5,000 the waiting period may be twelvehours. If the user is owed between $5,000 and $10,000 the waiting periodmay be twenty-four hours. If the user is owed more than $10,000 thewaiting period may be forty-eight hours.

The duration of activation of the gaming communication device, theduration of a particular session, and/or the duration of a particularactivity may be controlled according to any number of differentparameters. For example, the duration may be based on a predeterminedamount of time or period of time. Activation of the gaming communicationdevice may terminate upon the expiration of a predetermined time period.As another example, an activity may only be permitted until theoccurrence of a particular time of day. According to an alternative, anadministrator, or another party to a transaction within any of thevarious activities, may determine the time period or amount of time.According to yet another alternative, the duration may end upon theoccurrence of an event such as the user entering or leaving a particularlocation. The duration of activation may be dynamically determined basedon a period of non-use. In other words, after a predetermined timewithout being used, the device may “time out” and be deactivated. Theperiod of time, or amount of time, may be cumulatively determined. Forexample, an activity may only be permitted for a period of five hours,collectively. Time counting toward the five hours might stop and startdepending upon the location of the user. As another example, an activitymight only be permitted so long as the user does not enter or leave aparticular location for longer than a predetermined period of time.

Similarly, activation of the gaming communication device and/or theability for a user to engage in a particular activity may only bepermitted during a specified time of day, or for a particular period oftime prior to an event, or for a particular period of time afternotification to the user. Also, activation and/or access may becontrolled based upon the location of the user. For example, if a useris in a particular casino in which a particular show will take placethat evening, the user might be notified that tickets to the show areavailable for a specified period of time prior to the show. The usermight only be permitted to engage in the activity of purchasing ticketsfor the show if the user is in the casino and during the specifiedperiod of time prior to the show. For example, the user might only beable to purchase tickets while in the casino and up to five minutesbefore the start time of the show. Similarly, the activation of thedevice may be restricted based on the location of the user and acorresponding period of time. For example, if a user is in a locationwhere a show is occurring, or is going to occur, the device may bedeactivated (either automatically, or by a party other than the user)during a period beginning five minutes prior to the show and ending fiveminutes after the end of the show.

According to another alternative, the duration or enablement of oneactivity might be determined by the participation of the user in anotheractivity. For example, a user might be allowed to make dinnerreservations at a popular restaurant if the user has been gamblingenough at a given casino. In this way, bonuses or comps may bedetermined or managed based on the activity of the user via the gamingcommunication device.

Preferably, data is transmitted back and forth during the gamingactivities between the gaming communication device and a servercontrolled by the gaming service provider. An example of the path ofcommunication is shown in FIG. 7. Gaming data, such as a wager placed bythe user, is transmitted from gaming communication device 701 to a basestation 702 (or a transmitter in the case of a private wireless networksuch as a WiFi or WiMax network). Base station 702 routes the datathrough network 703 to a hub or gateway 704, which in turn routes thedata to a gaming server 705 operated by a gaming service provider.Preferably, the communication from gaming communication device 701 tothe network 703 comprises wireless communication. This may be any typeof known wireless communication or any type of wireless communicationavailable in the future. Examples of acceptable wireless communicationprotocols include CDMA, GSM, and GPRS.

Preferably, the communication from the network 703 to the gateway 704and to the server 705 is conducted over secure land lines. FIG. 7 is anexample communication network only and the present invention should beunderstood to cover other networks in which data may be transmitted fromgaming communication device 701 to server 705. Preferably, data inresponse to data being transmitted from gaming communication device 701to server 705 is transmitted back to gaming communication device 701along a path essentially opposite to the path of the first transmission.It should be noted that in at least certain embodiments of the methodsand systems described herein, a user is not actually playing a game onthe gaming communication device. Rather, the user is actually playingthe game on the server controlled by the gaming service provider, whichmay be located within a casino.

With respect to payment and/or receipt of winnings and losses, onepossible approach is as follows. Upon check-in at a casino hotel, ahotel representative may query a guest as to whether the guest wantsaccess to a gaming communication device. If the guest does want suchaccess, the hotel representative may provide the guest with a gamingcommunication device in exchange for a credit-card type deposit or otherdeposit. The guest then deposits money into an account for wirelessgaming. The guest's account balance information is loaded onto theguest's account file, which is preferably maintained on the gamingserver. The user may load money into his gaming account by establishinga credit account, for example, at a casino cashier and/or by paying cashto the casino cashier. Many other alternatives exist and this process isan example only. Guest accounts or gaming communication devices may bepreloaded with funds. Funds may be deposited during a gaming session.This may occur, for example, if a user selected a casino cashieractivity from the gaming environment and instructed the cashier to addfunds to the account. The finance subsystem may also utilize accountcard technology (such as ATM cards, credit cards, stored value cards,gift cards, etc) in order to conduct financial transactions associatedwith a user's account. Moreover, the user may receive or make paymentsremotely, by way of inputting instructions via the gaming communicationdevice or by another remote device such as an automatic teller machine(ATM), which is in electronic communication with the gaming server orother server operated by the casino, hotel, gaming service provider orother entity involved in the gaming activities. For example, a usermight remotely (via the gaming communication device) place an order at arestaurant. Then, the user might make advance payment for the meal at anATM-type machine which is operable to receive instructions correspondingto the financial transaction requirements of the gaming activity ofordering food.

A unique aspect of the present invention includes establishing anelectronic record of the gaming transactions undertaken by a user.Preferably, this is accomplished by utilization of a keystroke log,which is an electronic record of all keystrokes made by the user.Utilization of a keystroke log in this context allows for unprecedentedmonitoring of a user's gaming activity. In the event of a dispute, onemay refer to the keystroke log and readily determine whether, in fact, auser placed a particular wager, for example.

An additional possible aspect of the electronic record is to allow agaming control board or other regulatory authority, access to theelectronic record in a direct manner in order to conduct periodicindependent monitoring of the gaming activities conducted over thesystem. Another possible aspect is to allow policing against riggedmachines. For instance, it is possible that the gaming control board (orother regulatory authority) could obtain a gaming communication deviceand compare their test results over time against records in theelectronic record database (e.g., by comparing the results shown in thekeystroke log). This essentially comprises electronic access fortesting.

In another embodiment of the invention; as shown in FIG. 8, a ship-basedgaming system is provided. The system preferably comprises passengervessel 802, such as a cruise liner for example. The system includes oneor more gaming communication devices 806 connected to a communicationnetwork. The network shown in FIG. 8 comprises a mobile network withbase stations 808 connected via a LAN to a base station controller (BSC)810. BSC 810 is connected via a T1 interface to a first Very SmallAperture Terminal (VSAT) modem 812, which is in communication with afirst satellite 814. First satellite 814 is operable to transmit andreceive signals from second satellite 814, which is in communicationwith second VSAT modem 812. Second VSAT modem 812 is in communicationwith a gaming server 818 located at gaming service provider 816. Gamingserver is coupled to gaming database 820. Again, the networkconfiguration depicted in FIG. 8 is for example purposes only, and otherconfigurations are within the scope of the present invention. Anon-board back office 822 is preferably provided. Data is communicated bythe on-board VSAT modem and transmitter to the first satellite for relayto the second (preferably land-based) VSAT receiver and modem. The datais then communicated to a server and/or centralized database via amobile station controller (not shown).

A corresponding business model involves the gaming service providercontracting with a cruise line, which agrees to allow the gaming serviceprovider to provide coverage throughout the cruise line's ship(s), byusing repeaters for example. The gaming service provider may provide aprivate wireless network, in which case any revenue generated from useof or access to the private wireless network, and revenue from gamingactivities, may be allocated among all or any subset of the cruise lineand the gaming service provider. Alternatively, the gaming serviceprovider may contract with a mobile carrier and a satellite provider, inwhich case revenue from the mobile calls, and revenue from gamingactivities, may be allocated among all or any subset of the cruise line,the mobile carrier and the gaming service provider.

There are several scenarios for a user's activity relative totransactions conducted over the gaming system. In one example scenariothe user is in a fixed, but remote, location from the gaming server,which may be located on the premises of a casino. This may be include,for instance, a situation in which the gaming communication device is akiosk or some other communication device which is in a fixed position orwhich is tethered to a fixed position so that the gaming communicationdevice cannot be moved beyond a certain area. In another examplescenario, the user starts a gaming transaction at a first location andends the transaction at a second location different from the firstlocation. In another example scenario, the user is mobile during asingle gaming transaction. In another example scenario, the user ismobile within a first approved area then (during the gaming transaction)the user moves outside the first approved area, through an unapprovedarea, to a remote second approved area.

In an alternative embodiment, the gaming system may be configured tooperate as a “curb-to-curb” gaming system. In such a system, acommunication path may be established between the device and aparticular server, based upon whether the user is in a locationcorresponding to that particular server. For example, the user mightenter a first casino, or an authorized area associated with the firstcasino, and thereby activate the establishment of a communication pathbetween the device and a server located at and/or controlled by thefirst casino. While the user is on the premises of the first casino, theuser might be able to participate in activities, such as playingblackjack, at the first casino. Then, if the user leaves the firstcasino, the gaming system might be configured to terminate the firstcommunication path (i.e., between the device and the first casino'sserver), or otherwise deactivate the device and/or terminate the user'sability to use the device to participate in activities associated withthe first casino. When the user enters a second casino, or an authorizedarea associated with the second casino, a second communication path(e.g., between the device and a second server located at or controlledby the second casino) may be established. Thus, the user would now beable to play blackjack (or engage in other activities) at the secondcasino, rather than the first casino.

As another example, a particular casino is often related to othercasinos within jurisdiction or specified area. Under such a scenario, ifa user entered any of the related casinos, then the appropriatecommunication path or paths could be established between the gamingcommunication device and one or more of the casinos in the group ofrelated casinos, thereby enabling the user to play casino games (orengage in other activities) at the one or more casinos in the group ofrelated casinos. Depending on regulatory requirements, the preferredconfiguration might be to establish a communication path with a serverat a particular casino within the group at which the user wants to play.Then, a different communication path could be established at asubsequent casino if the user wants to play at another casino. Undercertain circumstances, and again depending on regulatory requirements,some information associated with user activity might be maintained at acentralized server accessible by more than one casino within the group.

In another example embodiment, the gaming system may be used to enablegaming activities involving multiple wireless users who interact withone another. For instance, the system may enable a table game (such asblackjack) in which a first user and a second user are conducting gamingtransactions on the same table and in which options selected by thefirst user directly impact outcomes and options relative to the seconduser. Preferably, the gaming environment presented on the gamingcommunication devices of both the first and second users will indicatethe existence and activity of the other respective user. Another exampleof multiple users interacting on the gaming system is the provision of apoker game in which users place bets against one another instead of, orin addition to, placing bets against the house. Another example ofinteraction between users is when a first user makes restaurantreservations or purchases event tickets, thereby reducing the optionsavailable to the second user.

Preferably, the gaming service provider provides at least the followingfunctions. First the gaming service provider provides and controls theone or more gaming servers. These servers may be physically locatedwithin the confines of the gaming service provider or may exist at aremote location. As mentioned, the gaming servers may also be located ator near a games provider such as a casino, casino hotel, racino, cruiseship, race track,. etc. The gaming, service provider may also providemonitoring services such as transaction monitoring and key strokelogging services. The gaming service provider may also provide datamanagement and security services. These services are not intended to beexhaustive and the gaming service provider may provide other serviceswhich facilitate the gaming process.

It should be noted that the invention can be implemented in connectionwith any gaming environment or an environment for any other activity,which may be conducted electronically. The invention is not limited toNevada or any other particular gaming jurisdiction. For instance, theinvention can be employed in connection with casinos in Atlantic City,N.J., international jurisdictions, Native American gaming facilities,and “racinos” which are race tracks that also have slot machines, videolottery terminals, or other gambling devices. For example, in connectionwith “racinos,” the invention might be used by participants who wish toplay slot machine games while they are viewing race horses in thepaddock area. This might be desirable in the event that the slot machinearea does not allow smoking and a participant wishes to gamble from anoutdoor smoking area. Alternatively, the slot machine area might permitsmoking and the gambler wishes to play the slot machines from an areawhere he or she can avoid breathing second-hand smoke. Numerous otherscenarios can be envisioned in which the gaming participant can use theinvention to participate in remote gaming, while enjoying some otherprimary activity in a location remote from the gaming facility. Further,the invention is not limited to gaming, but can include otherapplications, such as trading financial instruments, and wagering onother types of events, such as elections, award events, or any otheractivity.

Another example embodiment involves the application of one or more ofthe methods and systems described herein to the activity of conductingfinancial transactions. Thus, the gaming communication device may beconfigured to enable a user to conduct such financial transactions,which may include, without limitation, any transaction involving afinancial institution, such as banking, trading securities, or managing401K or other investment fund assets. Preferably, a communication pathwould be established between the user and any of the servers or othercomputers necessary to conduct the financial transaction. As withcertain other embodiments the ability to engage in this activity may becontrolled by one or more parameters including location and/or identityverification and time or duration limits.

Conducting financial transactions may be one of the activities presentedto the user of the gaming communication device. Any of the possiblefinancial transactions might be presented as sub-activities. As anexample, a user might want to trade securities listed on a particularexchange. Regulations might require the trader to be located within acertain jurisdiction to execute trades on the exchange. The exchangemight have its own rules and could require that the trader be located onthe premises. With the location verification techniques describedelsewhere herein, the particular financial transaction activity mightonly be enabled if the user is located in a particular geographic area,for example.

As a related feature, the system may be configured to provide a creditverification feature, according to which a user's creditworthiness maybe checked by a party to a transaction, or by which the user might applyfor credit. For example, if a user wants to purchase $10,000 worth of aparticular stock, then a communication path might be established betweenthe user and a server located at and/or controlled by an exchange uponwhich the stock is being traded. An additional communication path mightbe established between the exchange server and a server of an accountmanager that manages the user's account. These communication paths wouldenable the basic transaction—that of the user purchasing the stock. Yetanother communication path, however, might be established between aseller's server, the exchange server, and/or the account manager serverand a server located at and/or controlled by a credit agency. This pathwould enable an interested party to the transaction to check and/orapprove the user's credit to prior enabling the transaction.

According to one aspect of certain embodiments, a user of the gamingcommunication device can connect from the device to a financial serviceprovider's server to provide a “Push to Trade” feature. In order toenable this feature, the device is configured to be capable offacilitating a “Push to Talk” protocol, whereby the device behaves likea walkie-talkie. Thus, the device may include any suitable program orapplication that enables the Push to Talk feature. As used herein, thephrase “Push to Talk” includes any protocol that allows for a directconnection feature for an end user. Included are all such protocols(e.g. Instant Talk, Fastchat, etc.) within the broad rubric of “Push toTalk” including those that provide wide-area, instantaneous contact.

The Push to Talk protocol allows a given device to instantly connect toany number of other devices, such as any other telephone (mobile orlandline-based), personal computer, laptop, etc. The connection for theend user does not have to be spawned by any conventional dialing or bytriggering some form of automatic dialing. A simple button can bedepressed to provide the requisite connection. In the context of timing,Nextel (who developed the original Push to Talk technology) suggeststhat their Push to Talk protocol should connect within 2 seconds.

A related technology is Push to Talk Over Cellular (PoC). PoC service isa form of interactive voice messaging that combines walkie-talkie andcellular phone connectivity, allowing users to quickly connect withanother person or an entire group of friends and contacts at the push ofa button on a PoC-enabled handset.

The Push to Talk protocol allows users to use the walkie-talkie paradigmover an IP or a cellular network, which diminishes the boundarylimitations of a conventional two-way radio. The Push to Talk service isbased on a disruptive technology. Latency is an issue during sometraditional mobile telephone conversations. One appeal of the Push toTalk platform, as compared to executing a traditional telephone call, isbeing able to talk to an individual or to a group of individualsinstantly, without waiting for someone to answer due to latency issues.Another benefit of the Push to Talk feature is a shorter than normalphone call, which cuts down on dialing costs for corresponding endusers. Nextel estimates that the average Push to Talk call lasts fortyseconds. Push to Talk technology is compatible with virtually anynetwork communications; for example, the Push to Talk protocol mayreadily be used in conjunction with cellular telephone networks,including GSM and CDMA. The network equipment used for the Push to Talkfeature is currently being offered by companies such as EricssonMotorola, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, and Nextel.

Because Push to Talk effectively turns the handheld device into awalkie-talkie, it not only successfully enables end users to send voicemessages, it also enables immediate data texts (commonly referred to as“direct messaging”). Push to Talk messaging represents a significantimprovement over short messaging systems in bypassing the slow andclumsy process of entering text via a phone keypad. This makes textmessaging quicker and more effective.

According to the “Push to Trade” feature, once the end user initiatesthe call, the financial service provider is instantly connected to theend user. In one embodiment, the financial service provider has one ormore electronic trade desks that are dedicated to this feature for theirclients. Thus, all “Push to Trade” requests may be received at thislocation. In other embodiments, any suitable entity, broker, standardtrading desk, or electronic device may receive such Push to Tradecommunications.

Once the connection has been established, the financial service providermay then simply conduct the trade as prescribed by the end user. Forexample, upon connection, the end user may be presented with thefinancial or market environment in which he seeks to participate. Thetrade desk representative or device can query the end user to execute anelectronic or a broker-assisted trade. In addition, the financialenvironment may be presented in various stages. For instance, in a firststage, the financial environment may comprise a financial summary of allmarkets where the user is presented with certain financial optionsincluding, for example, specific market summaries, specific prices forselected assets (e.g. commodities, stocks, bonds, etc.), currentpositions, buying power, etc. In a subsequent stage, the user may bepresented with optional instances of the type of activity selected fromthe market platform.

From this platform, the end user can select an activity, such as aparticular type of trade. Thus, the user is presented with one or moreoptions related to the selected activity. For instance, at this point,the user might place a buy or a sell order on a financial exchange. Thesoftware, which may be resident on the device, on the server, or on acombination of both, accepts the option input by the user and transmitsthe input data to the financial service provider. Subsequently, thefinancial service provider acts on the input data. The Push to Talktechnology readily accommodates a voice log of the transaction for auditor confirmation purposes. Hence, a digital voice storage may beprovided, whereby the transaction (e.g., inclusive of bid and askprices) is recorded. In addition, the automatic voice log can then relaythis information back to the end user (e.g., via his e-mail or via aconventional postal mail service). This could occur as a matter ofcourse such that the end user is routinely provided with a suitableconfirmation receipt for all of his trading activity.

Actions at this point may include, without limitation, determining anoutcome and/or amount for the trade, accessing another server and/orsoftware application, retrieving additional information, preparing asuitable response to the user, etc. The action of determining an outcomeand/or amount might take place, for example, if the user is using thedevice to place trades in conjunction with his account and a givenexchange. Hence, this could include a formal tallying of the executedtrade, inclusive of the charged commission, the amount debited from theaccount to cover the trade, etc. The action of accessing another serverand/or software application might occur, for example, in the event theuser is engaging in a services activity such as accessing news services.The action of retrieving information might occur when the financialsoftware is prompted to access another server for the purpose ofretrieving a certain type of information requested by the user. Thefinancial service provider can then prepare a response to the user'sinput data. Once this activity has concluded, the user can acknowledgethe response and then log out and terminate his session.

It should be noted that the “Push to Trade” feature can be used in otherapplications of the gaming technology described herein. For example, inan application where the user of the gaming communication device isplaying blackjack from an authorized area outside the casino gamingarea, the Push to Trade feature would enable the user to participateaudibly in the blackjack game actually taking place within the casinogaming area. The Push to Talk technology would allow the user toimmediately and virtually “sit down” at an actual blackjack tablewithout the delay caused by the conventional setup and tear down processof certain traditional telecommunication protocols. Also, once the useris participating in the game, the user can communicate orally with thedealer, or other users that are physically at the table, without thelatency issues of certain mobile telecommunication systems.

In at least one embodiment, the invention provides jurisdictionalcontrols, which limit gaming to approved geographical areas. Theinvention may also include an age/identity verification feature. Thiscan be accomplished through any applicable technique including retinascanning, finger print identification, voice print matching, or otherbiometrics. Identity verification can also be accomplished by having acustomer take a picture of himself (e.g., by use of a digital picturephone) and transmitting the picture to the gaming service provider forcomparison to a stored picture of the pre-approved user. Identityverification can also be accomplished by way of comparison ofparticipant provided data to stored data, and execution of electronicagreements or contracts by the participant. Identity verification canalso be accomplished by monitoring a keystroke characteristic (e.g.,rhythm, patterns, or cadence) of the user, or any other method in whicha parameter uniquely associated with the user can be observed. Theinvention may also provide for the logging of keystrokes. In at leastone embodiment, all communications are accomplished without accessingthe Internet.

Mobile, remote gaming may be desirable for many reasons, some of whichhave already been described. The invention may allow supplementation ofexisting in-house gaming revenue by allowing bettors to place bets whileenjoying other leisure activities such as golf, swimming, dining andshows. The invention may complement the new coinless wageringenvironment as bettors can play their favorite games outside the casino.The invention provides a high-speed, reliable, accurate, and securemobile gaming environment that complies with regulatory requirements foridentification and location verification of the bettor with the abilityto generate key stroke logs. The invention may restrict unauthorizedusage from a geographic perspective and is capable of implementationusing location verification technology (e.g., geo-fencing) to conformthe gaming activities to legal parameters.

Consumers may benefit from an increased choice of gaming environments.Consumers will be able to bet in whatever surroundings they prefer,benefiting from the knowledge that the product is regulated, fair andsecure while enjoying the gaming experience at the speed they choosewithout external influences, such as that which might occur within thein-house casino environment. The gaming businesses can use the inventionto increase their revenue base through a new, regulated, mobile, remotechannel. Customers wanting to be entertained during downtime or outsidea casino will be able to play games on their gaming communication deviceand customers intimidated by a traditional casino environment will beable to play in private. The gaming jurisdictions may benefit from anincrease in . gaming an ancillary revenue growth because customers willhave a more enjoyable experience.

The invention may also be used to deliver content at an increased speedcompared to traditional telecommunications systems. The content mayinclude, for example, live reports, entertainment, news, promotions andadvertising.

As mentioned, the invention provides a mobile gaming environment thatcomplies with regulatory requirements for identification and locationverification of the bettor. Moreover, the system is designed to be onehundred percent “clean” from a regulatory perspective. The software isclean in that it has not been and will not be licensed to anyone whodoes business illegally or otherwise operates in a “gray” area. Forexample, in a preferred embodiment, the software is not licensed to anentity that will illegally operate the software, or otherwise illegallydo business, on the Internet. This may be desirable in that certaingaming jurisdictions will not grant gaming permits or licenses tocompanies that do business with, or license technology to or from, otherentities known to be engaging in illegal operations.

Preferably, the system is designed such that the gaming software (orother application software operating on the system) is also one hundredpercent clean from a regulatory perspective. For instance, beforegranting a license, a gaming jurisdiction may require that the softwarebeing used is not tainted in that it has not been used by the licenseapplicant in violation of any laws and has not been licensed orotherwise distributed or disseminated to others who have used thesoftware for illegal purposes, or who have been engaging in illegalactivity. Therefore, it is preferred that the gaming software be cleanand untainted from this perspective.

The systems and methods described herein may also be used to deliverand/or access “Rich Media” content such as, for example, sports video(live or nearly live) and audio commentary. Such may often only bedistributed within specific jurisdictions. Therefore, the distributionmay benefit from the inventive aspects discussed herein, particularlythe location verification aspect, such as geofencing.

The gaming system and methods described herein may permit, among otherthings, pari-mutuel wagering, sports betting, and dissemination of newsand other content. The invention also enables a casino or other gamingprovider to advertise ancillary services such as shows, bars, andrestaurants. The invention also enables remote reservations andpurchases in connection with such services.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gaming system providesfor the dissemination of real-time odds to users accessing the system.

In another embodiment, an outcome in one transaction can trigger thepresentation to the user of options for a second transaction. Forexample, if a user wins a predetermined amount of money playingblackjack, the user might be presented with an option to purchase retailitems at a casino store or to make reservations for certain services ata club. As another example, if a user uses the system to purchase showtickets, the user might be offered to make reservations at one ofseveral restaurants within a certain proximity to the show.

Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certainembodiments and generally associated methods, alterations andpermutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of exampleembodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes,substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this disclosure.

1. (canceled)
 2. An apparatus comprising: at least one sensor fordetecting location; a display for displaying graphical information atthe apparatus; and at least one processor configured to control:responsive at least in part to an action by a user of the apparatus,requesting, via a communications network , a server to initiate a gamingsession, wherein the gaming session enables the user to play one or moreof a plurality of game activities; in connection with initiating thegaming session, obtaining location data from the sensor andcommunicating the location data to the server via the communicationsnetwork, wherein the server uses the location data to determine whetherthe apparatus is located within a predefined area from which gaming ispermitted or is located in a predefined area from which gaming is notpermitted; when the server determines that the apparatus is locatedwithin the predefined area from which gaming is not permitted,configuring the apparatus such that the game activities are notselectable for play via the apparatus; and when the server determinesthat the apparatus is located within the predefined area from gaming ispermitted, configuring the apparatus to present a gaming environment viathe display that enables selection from the game activities for play,wherein to configure the apparatus to present the gaming environmentincludes to: determining whether there is a stored indication of a lastone of the game activities accessed by the user during a prior gamingsession; when there is no stored indication, presenting via the displaythe gaming environment to the user; when there is a stored indication,modifying the gaming environment to obtain a modified gaming environmentindicating the last one of the game activities accessed by the user; andpresenting via the display the modified gaming environment to the user.3. The apparatus of claim 2, the at least one processor is configured tocontrol: while the user is playing one or more of the game activitiesvia the apparatus: obtaining additional location data from the sensor;communicating the additional location data to the server via thecommunications network, wherein the server uses the additional locationdata to determine whether the apparatus is located within the predefinedarea from which gaming is permitted or is located in the predefined areafrom which gaming is not permitted; and when the server determines thatthe apparatus is located within the predefined area from which gaming isnot permitted, configuring the apparatus to prevent further gaming bythe user from the apparatus.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the atleast one processor is configured to control: while the user is playingone or more of the game activities via the apparatus, obtaining atpredefined time intervals the additional location data from the sensor.5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to control: configuring network connectivity of the apparatusto ensure wagers (i) that are associated with the game activities and(ii) that are communicated by the apparatus to the server originate fromwithin boundaries of the predefined area from which gaming is permitted.6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of the game activitiesis related to at least one sporting event including at least one offootball, baseball, basketball, or hockey.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the apparatus is pre-programmed, prior to the requesting, with agaming application that is configured to communicate with the user andthe server, and is further configured to present the gaming environmentto the user; and wherein at least one action by the user comprises theuser launching the gaming application from the apparatus.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein obtaining and communicating the locationdata comprises to: receiving a command from the server via thecommunications network to obtain location data from the sensor; andresponsive at least in part to the command, obtaining the location datafrom the sensor and communicate the location data obtained from thesensor to the server.
 9. An apparatus comprising: at least one processorconfigured to control; responsive at least in part to an action by auser of an electronic device in use by the user, receiving via acommunications network from the electronic device a request to initiatea gaming session, wherein the gaming session enables the user to playone or more of a plurality of game activities via the electronic device;in connection with initiating the gaming session, receiving via thecommunications network from the electronic device location data; basedat least in part on the location data, determining whether theelectronic device is located within a predefined area from which gamingis permitted or is located in a predefined area from which gaming is notpermitted; when the electronic device is determined to be located withinthe predefined area from which gaming is not permitted, communicatinggame disablement information via the communications network to theelectronic device, wherein the game disablement information causes theelectronic device to be configured such that the user is not able toplay the game activities via the electronic device; when the electronicdevice is located within the predefined area from which gaming ispermitted, initiating the gaming session by: determining whether thereis a stored indication of a last one of the game activities accessed bythe user during a prior gaming session; when there is no storedindication, generating first information instructing the electronicdevice to present to the user a gaming environment that enables the userto select from the game activities for play; communicating via thecommunications network the first information to the electronic device,the first information causing the electronic device to present via adisplay of the electronic device the gaming environment to the user;when there is a stored indication, generating second informationinstructing the electronic device to present to the user a modifiedgaming environment that indicates to the user the last one of the gameactivities accessed by the user; and communicating via thecommunications network the second information to the electronic device,the second information causing the electronic device to present via thedisplay the modified gaming environment to the user.
 10. The apparatusof claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control:while the user is playing one or more of the game activities via theapparatus: receiving via the communications network from the electronicdevice additional location data; based at least in part on theadditional location data, determining whether the electronic device islocated within the predefined area from which gaming is permitted or islocated in the predefined area from which gaming is not permitted; andwhen the electronic device is located within the predefined area fromwhich gaming is not permitted, communicating game disablementinformation via the communications network to the electronic device,wherein the game disablement information causes the electronic device toprevent further gaming by the user from the electronic device.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto control: while the user is playing one or more of the game activitiesvia the electronic device, receiving from the electronic device atpredefined time intervals the additional location data.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto control: configuring network connectivity of the electronic device toensure wagers (i) that are associated with the game activities and (ii)that are received by the apparatus from the electronic device originatefrom within boundaries of the predefined area from which gaming ispermitted.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of thegame activities is related to at least one sporting event including atleast one of football, baseball, basketball, or hockey.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto control: presenting, over the communication network, via the displayof the electronic device sports video related to the at least onesporting event.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the electronicdevice is pre-programmed, prior to the request being received by the atleast one processor, with a gaming application that is configured tocommunicate with the user and the apparatus; and wherein at least oneaction by the user comprises the user launching the gaming applicationfrom the electronic device.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherereceiving from the electronic device location data comprises to:communicating a command to the electronic device via the communicationsnetwork to obtain location data; and responsive at least in part tocommunicating the command, receiving via the communications network fromthe electronic device the location data.
 17. An apparatus comprising: atleast one processor configured to control: responsive at least in partto an action by a user of an electronic device in use by the user,receiving via a communications network from the electronic device arequest to initiate a gaming session, wherein the gaming session enablesthe user to play one or more of a plurality of game activities via theelectronic device; in connection with initiating the gaming session,receiving via the communications network from the electronic devicelocation data; based at least in part on the location data, determiningwhether the electronic device is located within a predefined area fromwhich gaming is permitted or is located in a predefined area from whichgaming is not permitted; when the electronic device is located withinthe predefined area from which gaming is not permitted, communicatinggame disablement information via the communications network to theelectronic device, wherein the game disablement information causes theelectronic device to be configured such that the user is not able toplay the game activities via the electronic device; when the electronicdevice is located within the predefined area from which gaming ispermitted, initiating the gaming session by communicating via thecommunications network information to the electronic device, wherein theinformation causes the electronic device to present via a display of theelectronic device a gaming environment to the user or to present via thedisplay to the user a modified gaming environment that indicates to theuser a last one of the game activities accessed by the user during aprior gaming session, wherein the gaming environment or the modifiedgaming environment is presented via the display is based on adetermination whether there is or is not a stored indication of a lastone of the game activities accessed by the user during the prior gamingsession.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to control: while the user is playing one ormore of the game activities via the apparatus: receiving via thecommunications network from the electronic device additional locationdata; based at least in part on the additional location data,determining whether the electronic device is located within thepredefined area from which gaming is permitted or is located in thepredefined area from which gaming is not permitted; and when theelectronic device is determined to be located within the predefined areafrom which gaming is not permitted, communicating game disablementinformation via the communications network to the electronic device,wherein the game disablement information causes the electronic device toprevent further gaming by the user from the electronic device.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto control: while the user is playing one or more of the game activitiesvia the electronic device, receiving from the electronic device atpredefined time intervals the additional location data.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one processor is configuredto control: configuring network connectivity of the electronic device toensure wagers (i) that are associated with the game activities and (ii)that are received by the apparatus from the electronic device originatefrom within boundaries of the predefined area from which gaming ispermitted.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of thegame activities is related to at least one sporting event including atleast one of football, baseball, basketball, or hockey.